The Big End of Town
April 2002
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Summary
Much has been written about the important role of small and medium enterprises in the Australian economy in driving innovation, new exports and new jobs. However, the significance of large enterprises ‑ including those that are foreign‑owned ‑ for the Australian economy, and more particularly for Australia's trading interests, is not well understood. This book goes some way towards addressing this information gap.
For example, in 2000/01, the 100 largest enterprises underpinned Australia's trade effort to the tune of almost $50 billion, representing close to one‑third of Australia's total exports of goods and services.
These 100 enterprises also account for some 90 per cent of Australia's foreign direct investment abroad and their offshore operations earn them revenue in excess of $100 billion a year.
The Biq End of Town and Australia's Trading Interests also discusses some of the policy issues of key importance to large companies in a globalising world. The so‑called 'branch office economy' debate is also canvassed.